July?!

You guys!  It's been a little more than 2 months.  Geez.  I wanted to be MORE active on my blog once treatment ended.  I wanted this to continue to be a diary of how I am feeling, daily.  Sometimes, no news really is good news.  Recently, I have been trying to get out of the house and do more.  By "do more" I really mean try to get out with my camera.  Physically, I am still sore a lot of the time - but just getting out of the house for an hour or so is really helpful for my mental.  I'm back to working 7 hours a day.  Whew, it's not easy and I have to get up and move around quite frequently, but it's nice to get back to some normal.

Oh!! The Demon has graduated high school.  Can you even believe it!!?? I know I can't.  It's been a very rough last few years, but he's done it!!  No more school shopping, no more tuition, no more arguing over homework, and no more worrying about failing!!  Seriously, it's such a huge relief.  Our house has been so much more harmonious since the end of May.  I still look at him, the 18 year old young man that he's become - and can't believe I am his mother.

Ok, you can say it...there is no dog cuter than this baby.  None!!  This photo was from Blue's 3rd birthday.  I surprised him with a small ice cream cone from Dairy Queen.  It was an amazing trip.  Just look at that happiness!  Too much.  He's changed my life.

Chemo-brain is a real thing, ya'll.  I can't remember if I've mentioned getting a new pup?  Little Lucy! We normally refer to her as lil 'Lu.  She's such a great addition to our household.  She gets along with both Blue & Fernie.  She doesn't back down to either of 'em and is usually chasing them around chewing on their ankles.  She, literally, is an ankle biter!

Finally, I made it to the Ohio State Reformatory!  It's been a dream of mine for a few years to go for a visit/tour.  We - my brother, sister in law, and myself - took off for the day.  It really was an interesting trip and something different for us all to do.  Highly recommend going and taking a look around!

In a couple weeks,  the three of us will be taking off for a few days in Michigan. I can't wait to update and posts photos here.  It's a place none of us have been, so it will be loads of fun and new adventures.  Also, in a few weeks I start physical therapy for my hips.  X-rays have shown no arthritis (which is shocking..) and no bone loss (which is great!).. so my doctor is hopeful PT will help with my pain.

Life, right now, involves a lot of work, more sleep, and a few hours of fun thrown in throughout the week.  All in all, not too bad.

Until next time, take care! ♥

4.

Okay, I must warn everyone that the following post will not be filled with pretty details.  If you don't want to read about a sore bum... then click out now.  I won't be offended!

Monday - Of course, radiation is first on my agenda and man, did I need to talk to my doctor.  I see her once a week and Monday is that day!  Over the weekend my rear end issue was getting worse.  I had been using every cream and ointment I could get my hands on, nothing was helping!!  She took one look and said "Well, that's one angry hemorrhoid!"  Ahhh, my only response was "I KNOW."  She gave me a prescription that I was hoping would be the miracle cure.  Off to work I went.

Tuesday - I woke up after a long night of bathroom trips, even more sore than the day before.  Before I even left for radiation I knew there was no way I was going to be able to sit for hours at work so I called off for the day.  I thought I would lay around, catch up on my sleep, and heal up!

Wednesday - Seriously, each day you think you can't possibly hurt worse but you do!  I got myself ready for work, drove to radiation and cried the whole way there.  Now, I'm not normally a crier, but I was so frustrated.  I  needed  to go to work!  I love my job and blessed to have such flexibility with my schedule, but I am not getting paid for the time I've had to take off!!  I called in as soon as I got to my appointment.  Again, there was just no way I could handle sitting for the next 5 hours.  My plan for this day was to sit, on and off, on my sitz bath.  It was NOT comfortable, but I struggled through it 3 times... overall, I saw little improvement.  I did, however, find an ointment that seemed to work on the pain and I've found ibuprofen to help most with the pain (when compared to the Vicodin I was prescribed for pain).

Thursday - I woke up and felt just a little better!  The routine with the new ointment and pain meds seemed to keep my pain at bay, long enough to function.  Off to radiation and work!  Next Thursday I start internal rads, and will have 5 treatments (each on Thursday).  I'm so anxious about those!  Hopefully, I'll be drugged up and everything will be uneventful.

Friday - Chemo day!  I hit radiation and made it to chemo on time, for once.  When I get there they take blood to check my levels and this particular time my count was low.  Argggh!  I know it's likely my fault because I've become so lazy with my iron pills.  Truth be told, I'm TIRED of taking so many pills.  It was one that I just didn't care too much about. Anyway, that lead to needing a extra dose of blood during this treatment.  Not a huge deal, but it did add an extra hour or so to my appointment.  I didn't get out of there until nearly 5pm.  Was a very long day, but I made it through.

Saturday - I went to work!  I know it doesn't sound like fun (and really, fun isn't the word I'd use to describe it..) but, I needed to get some hours in, and it was a quiet day at the office.

Sunday - I finally got out for a short walk!!  Note to self:  with an extremely sore bum (and yes, it has gotten worse.  I think I'm dealing with radiation burns at this point..) walking any amount of distance isn't necessarily a great idea.  I took my camera and as you can see, got some fun shots.  It was windy, so it wasn't as easy as I had hoped..but the short time I was out was worth all pain it brought me.  I got home, took some pain pills and got ready to watch the Super Bowl!

Not a horrible week.  I know I've been blessed with no nausea or super body aches.  But goodness, I need to heal up the bum or I may be spending the last weeks of this treatment horizontal!

♥

9.22.14

It's the first day of Autumn!!  Ok, so technically it's not officially Autumn until later this evening, but, I sure did my last day of summer dance this morning.  I have a feeling we've not seen the last of the summer temps just yet... but soon!  I can see the end and that's good enough for me.  However, I will miss our frequent trips to Don's Creamy Whip and DQ a bunch!  We'll just have to drive a bit further to eat in at a DQ.. I must have regular sprinkles in my life.

My best walk to date!  If you've been a reader you know I become slightly obsessive. I have a feeling walking/jogging (yes! I have even attempted a bit of a jog while out) has become an obsession to me.  I'm not even sure I can blame competition with my brother anymore.  He doesn't seem to care when I rub my winnings in his face!  But that doesn't even matter to me.  It's almost like I *must* beat myself.  I have to get in more mileage than the day before.  I put in at least 3 miles outside and at least 3 miles inside, daily.  Anything above that happens when I'm sitting on the couch and realize.. uh, I could be watching this TV show while I jog in place.  So.. I do.  I have to get more steps!  Since going to the doctor in July, I've lost 17 lbs.  I don't even care about that.  I rarely weigh myself, but tomorrow I am going for my physical and thought to check.  I am not even overly excited about the weight loss.  It's a strange feeling to honestly not care about weight.  But walking has helped me in ways I can't fully grasp..and I assume that mindset is part of not caring about a number on a scale.

Very rarely do I take photos while I'm out putting my miles in.  My phone is clipped to my waist and I don't want to go through the trouble of unclipping and reclipping.. noway - I won't be slowed down!!  But, one day, I decided to bring Bella with me and she can't hang too well with walking long distances without little breaks.  I walked her down to the creek in between laps and noticed these pretty flowers!  So - I dealt with the hassle for a moment.  Seriously, look at her!!  Her tongue.  Cripes.  I just can't.

Speaking of Autumn.. the best parts of my walks, now, are the falling leaves.  I love the smells as I am walking.  I love the crunch of the leaves.  I love the cool breezes and even love being startled by a toad jumping across my pathway.  I am constantly looking down as to not step on any of the billion daddy long legs that seem to think they don't have to look left and right before crossing the path!  

Every day after work, before I pick the Demon up from school, I walk the cemetery across the street.  I put in about a mile there.  Why I never thought to do that before now, I don't know.  It's so peaceful.  It's a great way to spend the time I'd otherwise be spending angry at jerk parents double parking or not letting me out of my parking spot to leave the lot!!  I've eliminated about 20 mins of anger from my day, just by choosing to walk. 

I can never stay away from Spring Grove Cemetery for too long.  I had an hour to kill before having to be at the school and thought to walk through.  Normally, this place is so big I drive from destination to destination.  This time, I walked.  And, got lost.  Argh!  It was frustrating - especially because I had such limited time.  I had to shoot the Demon a text explaining I may be late and was officially lost.  Then a few turns later I came upon Dexter and knew exactly where I was.  What a beaut!  

That's about all for now.  I hope you've had a wonderful weekend.  Last week I put in a bit over 48 miles... I must beat that!

Enjoy your week. ♥

It's been awhile.

long time no see?  i am disappointed in myself.  i really wanted to put forth more effort toward my blog this year and have not.  i have no excuse.  i haven't had any motivation.  i lost my blogging mojo.  to be honest, i lost more than just that.  i've had a rough time lately.  anywho.. i'm here now, and that's what counts!  right?  i should probably take a look at my 2014 goal list and re-evaluate things.

we went away on vacation and spent 4 days in Gatlinburg, TN.  for the most part we had a great time.  however, i did learn that maybe i'm not cut out for being away from home.  my anxieties kicked into overdrive.  i am not sure if it was due to the fact that it's been years since really being away from home for any length of time or what, but.. i was a bit of a mess at times.  thankfully, i realized my issues and was able to talk myself down.  when we spent time on the strip in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and kept ourselves super busy we had such a fun time.  loads of laughs were had, despite my hang ups.  i realized that i needed to talk to someone and i have.  hopefully, i'm on the upswing.  depression and anxiety simply sucks.

as you can see, i am still snapping away!  i really find such peace while out walking/hiking in the woods and strolling through cemeteries.  luckily, we've had a pretty cool summer and i've not been dreading walking around in high heat.  just last week, i took my second vacation.  we didn't travel anywhere but we spent 6 of 7 days out exploring.  we went to new parks and i enjoyed the time spent with the demon.

i am only sharing a portion of the photos i've taken since last blogging.  feel free to follow me on Instagram. i am still trying to work with black and white images.  it's not as easy for me to capture that perfect shot in black and white.  weird, considering i'm not a fan of color. ha!

i'm sad that summer break is quickly coming to an end.  it's such a mixture of emotions for me.  i can't  wait  for autumn!  if you know me at all, you know that i love everything autumn.  halloween, pumpkins, corn mazes, Horror, changing leaves, cooler weather, hoodies, naked trees.. just everything.  but, i hate that school starts back up.  having the freedom that summer brings is something that i greatly miss once the school schedule goes back into effect.  

i guess that's all for now.  we - as a family - just keep chugging along.  we've had a decent summer filled with grill outs, work, family time, hiking, biking, a couple trips to Kings Island, laughs and tears.  before i leave.. i must share some recent photos of Miss Bella Boo (my brother's pup).  she really is adorably awful. ha!

have a wonderful weekend.  i'll try not to stay away so long the next time.

♥

Talk me off the ledge!

First things first... LOOK at Miss Bella Boo!  

Yesterday, I reserved a condo in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for a few days in June!  Can I just share the tiny fact that I am super nervous.  It may not seem like such a big deal to most people but I have never traveled - like really traveled - alone with both boys.  I am full of so many "what ifs" that I am making myself sick with worry.  I haven't been on a vacation since the boys were still in diapers when I was also in the company of 3 other adults.  Having said all of that, I am SUPER EXCITED!  The Demon is already sick of me and my worries and over thinking.  He's got a month ahead of him filled with me being a basket case.  ha!

Okay.. let's stop talking about that and return to regularly scheduled blog photos!

Spring can be seen everywhere.  I am not a fan of super colorful photos.  If it's not obvious, most of my pictures are usually very "brown", so this has been a difficult time for me when it comes to trying to capture that perfect nature shot.  Cincinnati is very green and yellow right now.  I feel very lucky to stumble upon purple, orange, red and pink!

I am also trying to do more black and white photography.  It's a bit harder, for me, to take vibrant colors to black and white... but I'm trying!  Hopefully, I'm not sucking too badly!

The boys are not as fond of hiking and tagging along when I am picture taking.  I will really have to work my powers of persuasion to get a few hours of hiking time while in Gatlinburg. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Until next time, ♥

almost a month...

...has gone by since I last posted here.  Not good.  I don't have much of anything new to report.  I do have loads of photos I can share?  

I have a thing for the sun and taking blinding pictures.  Most of the time, I can't even see the picture as I'm taking it.  

I am still going to cemeteries and wandering among the tombstones and mausoleums.

This is another shot from Spring Grove Cemetery.  How beautiful.  It's just amazing place to get lost for a couple of quiet hours...

I am still getting up and out.  Hiking, walking, wandering...

We've had loads of ice and snow this winter.  I'm thankful that, despite being laid up for the first two months of the year, I've been able to enjoy some fun, cold weather.

We have added a new furry member to our family.  I have a new niece!!  Meet Miss Bella (Bell Boo).

Couldn't you just die.  DIE!  She's too much.   Don't let these photos fool you.  The only time this little girl is quiet and subdued is when her eyes are closed and she is sleeping.  For the rest of her day...for 99% of this littles life...she's a maniac!   But, we love her.  She was a Christmas present for my brother from my sister in law.  It's safe to say he was totally surprised.  She's been a great addition.

I guess that's all folks.  You've seen what I've been up to.  I'm trying to just get through each day with a smile on my face.  It's working.

Until next time...♥

Photo dump v.4

Well, my - blog more regularly this year - goal hasn't gotten off on the right foot.  Admittedly, I have not even opened my laptop very much over the last few weeks.  Having said that,  I have consistently tried to take photos.  

Most of these pictures were taken on New Year's Eve.  I am so happy I decided to head out that morning and take a walk.  I've been sidelined since... that is, until yesterday!  After 5 weeks in a boot, I was finally able to put a real shoe on  and  walk around all day in said shoe.  That's progress, kids!

To celebrate being able to walk around in a shoe, I've decided (well, I've been convinced, by a great friend!) to hit downtown, Cincinnati, on Saturday and attempt to change things up and photograph the city.  Taking nature shots seems to come very easily to me.  I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed thinking about hitting the city with my camera!

Enjoy your Wednesday!   ♥

A little Friday randomness.

Three times in one week!  Say whaaaat!?  I'm back baby!  Okay, so I'm being dramatic.  Anyway.. it's a start.  I usually begin each year, blogging with a bang and then slack off.  But, since I am working on not talking so negatively about myself and trying to be more optimistic - (one of the goals of 2014 I'll soon be sharing) lets not go there.

I mentioned sharing more photos, but,  I want to be clear... I am not attempting another project 365.  I just can't set myself up for failure and put myself under that "pressure".  Instead, I plan on sharing at least one photo with each blog entry.  Whether or not the photo actually pertains to the topic of the blog or not.. you'll get a photo with each post!  Exciting, huh?!!  

Just humor me, please. 

I still have been visiting and photographing cemeteries.  I probably have hundreds of photos from various cemeteries I could share.  Instead, I plan on picking and choosing what I feel are the best of the best and randomly posting them throughout the blog. 

Like this... 

And this...

These pictures are from a nearby convent.  I love the look of the headstones, neatly lined up in rows that seem to be endless.  So many of our cemeteries here are so jumbled and crowded.  It's hard to tell where one plot ends and the next begins.  It makes it very hard to walk around while maintaining the level of respect that is so well deserved.  I'm not quite sure how the building is being used.  It is too beautiful not to share.

I haven't even scratched the surface of the cemeteries that Cincinnati has to offer.  I can't wait to see where 2014 will take me!

Enjoy your Friday.. I plan to camp out between my couch and recliner and keep my foot elevated.

♥

Doing the best with what I've got, yo!

I've been among the land of the living a total of two days since new years eve.  I'm kinda sidelined at the moment with a toe injury.  because of this,  I have to take advantage of the time i'm up and out moving around so I pulled my cell out and tried to snap away... (I guess you don't really "snap" a cell phone photo, do you?)

Last year i attempted a project 365.  i wouldn't consider myself a failure, mostly because i am sure i took thousands of photos during the last year, but i did fail to post each picture publicly.  this year, i hope to share more pictures, publicly, here. 

Instagram is an easy way to quickly share pictures.  It's also very common for me to over edit a picture to post on IG.  It's great fun to play around with different editing apps and filters and be able to post a picture for thousands of ppl to see with just the push of a "send" button.  The pictures I want to share here, I've chosen to not edit much at all.  What you see is what I took.  Good or bad.  It's exactly how my world was seen in that very moment.  I hope you'll enjoy some of them. 

It's been so long since I've given an update on the Demon and his health.. I promise to do that soon.

Oh, and I guess I should  start thinking about that goal list for 2014.

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Oak Hill Cemetery

I'm excited to report we've now hit two..count them two cemeteries. lol  That is a huge step toward my goal of visiting 10 before the end of the year.  I'm sort of posting out of order.  On Friday the 13th, the Demon and I visited a cemetery.  That particular one was a lot older than this one, and I do plan on blogging about that one at a later date.    But, today, I want to show you Oak Hill.

I used my camera, phone and iPod to take pictures.  

This cemetery holds a special place in my family.  My great grandpa, great grandma, and grandpa are buried here.  I thought it was going to be like searching for a needle in a haystack trying to locate their sites.  It took the Demon about 10 minutes and he said "I found them!".  I was so happy.  It was the first time I had ever visited...

There were geese galore!  It's also the perfect place to find loads of acorns.

The first stop was to take pictures around the lake.  It was so peaceful and quiet.  

There was one huge difference between the two cemeteries that we have visited.  The size!  This place is huge in comparison.  There are places where it seems there are plots on top of each other while other spots are empty.

I don't think we could've picked a prettier day to visit.  

This is a relatively "newer" cemetery.  It was chartered in 1910, so I didn't find too many really old tombstones.  However, I had never seen anything like the image above.  An above ground entombment.  Just beautiful.  Admittedly, I've spent very little time exploring cemeteries up until now.  I have always had a real fear of getting lost in the huge ones we have around here!  

Oak Hill Cemetery is very big, although not the biggest in town.  I am sure I missed some amazing headstones.  I was dodging geese left and right trying to drive around to different spots. They aren't afraid of the Jeep...that's for sure!

I'm hoping the weather cools down next week so we can  visit another older one. 

Enjoy your Thursday!